Can a small-screen spin-off ever better the original? From Daria to Endeavour, here are the 10 that came closest – and a few that actually managed it

Sometimes on TV, the second time’s a charm. If the broadcasting stars align, a spin-off can breathe new life into familiar intellectual property and become beloved in its own right. Or else it can be Joanie Loves Chachi. Or HolbyBlue. Or Baywatch Nights. Or insert any number of best-forgotten flops.

Whether it’s a sequel or a prequel, creating something new from a previous hit is a risky business, but it can reap rewards. In the week that the BBC successfully launched Amandaland, an offshoot of Motherland, and the Breaking Bad prequel Better Call Saul celebrated its 10th anniversary, we’ve selected the 10 best TV spin-offs of all time.